Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Launches 45 Atal Canteens On Vajpayee Birth Anniversary

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday inaugurated 45 out of the proposed 100 Atal Canteens in the national capital on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The initiative aims to provide affordable and nutritious meals to residents at highly subsidised rates. The inauguration was attended by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, along with BJP leaders Ashish Sood and Tarvinder Singh Marwah, who sampled meals to mark the occasion.

The Atal Canteens will offer meals at just Rs 5, while the actual cost of a meal is around Rs 30, with the government covering the remaining Rs 25 as a subsidy. Each centre will serve two meals daily, including dal and rice, roti and vegetables, catering to nearly 1,000 people. The programme targets daily wage workers, labourers, and low-income families, ensuring access to nutritious food across Delhi.

Infrastructure, Hygiene And Transparency

The Delhi government has set up robust systems to ensure smooth operations and quality. Kitchens will be equipped with LPG-based stoves, industrial-grade RO water systems, and cold storage facilities.

Meals will be distributed via a digital token system, eliminating manual coupons, and CCTV cameras will provide real-time monitoring through the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board’s digital platform.

Food quality and safety will be strictly maintained, with regular testing by FSSAI and NABL-accredited laboratories. Operators are required to submit monthly reports covering hygiene standards, staff health, and overall safety compliance.

An inter-departmental committee has finalised the locations, menus, and operational guidelines for the first phase covering 100 canteens. Based on public demand and feedback, the government plans to expand the network further. The initiative is also expected to generate employment, particularly through self-help groups and local community kitchens involved in running the canteens.